BEATING THE SECOND SEMESTER SLUMP

It is very rare that I see a chapter or council officer make it through the entire year with the same amount of energy they came in with. Very rare. We all begin checking out pretty early on into the fall semester, but you still have a couple of months until officer transition. Many of you still have duties to fulfill so how will you power through the remainder of your term?

Earlier tonight I was talking to a former student about a recent win. He has been through nearly everything (and I do mean everything) during his term as President, but he still hasn't checked out. We were discussing his win and I asked him when his chapter has elections. His response was "Elections are next week, but I don't leave office until December 31st."

This really resonated with me because, for one, he understands when his responsibilities are over. A lot of us go into the second semester with the mindset that we are done and our successor can take care of what we left for them. That it is a part of their training. No matter how ready you are to leave office, you don't get to just do the fun stuff. You have to stick it out through the paperwork, the inventory, and the memorization of your Ritual part.

As I have been typing this Sheryl Sandberg's words come to mind - "Don't leave before you leave." Sure, her interpretation is for women looking to start families, but it also applies here. You are in this position for now and one day you will miss it. I know it may seem crazy, but I really do miss my days as Recruitment Chair sometimes. I hated the paperwork, the excuses, and the hours of practice. But I had to do those things in order for my chapter to be successful.

It is easy to get bogged down and to just want to wade it out for a few more months, but don't take this time for granted. You'll likely never get to be in your position again and no one wants to be remembered as a one-semester success.

How will you stay inspired to finish your term?